Fast fashion retailer Shein has removed a shirt listing from its website following controversy over the unauthorized use of an image resembling Luigi Mangione, a figure implicated in the death of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO. The company announced on Wednesday that an internal investigation is underway regarding the product in question. The image in question, reportedly altered, has sparked concerns over ethical and legal implications.

In response to the public outcry, a Shein spokesperson stated, “We take matters of intellectual property and image rights seriously and are committed to addressing this issue swiftly and thoroughly.” The removal of the shirt listing comes amidst growing scrutiny over the fashion industry’s responsibility in ensuring the lawful use of individuals’ likenesses.

Legal experts have highlighted the importance of obtaining proper authorization when using someone’s likeness for commercial purposes. Failure to do so can result in legal repercussions, including potential lawsuits for unauthorized use of an individual’s image. The incident involving Shein and the Luigi Mangione likeness underscores the complexities surrounding image rights and intellectual property in the digital age.

While Shein’s swift action in removing the contentious listing may mitigate immediate concerns, questions remain regarding the oversight processes in place to prevent such occurrences in the future. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by companies in navigating the boundaries of image rights and the ethical considerations involved in the commercial use of individuals’ likenesses. Efforts to address these issues are ongoing as the fashion industry continues to grapple with the evolving landscape of intellectual property rights.